This guide explains how to manually configure an email account using IMAP in Microsoft Outlook on a desktop computer.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• Your full email address
• Your email password
• IMAP and SMTP server details from your IT administrator

Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook

1. Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. If Outlook opens to an existing mailbox, go to:
   • File → Add Account (Windows)
   • Outlook → Settings → Accounts → Add Account (macOS)

Step 2: Start Manual Account Setup

1. Enter your email address.
2. Click Advanced options.
3. Check Let me set up my account manually.
4. Click Connect.

Step 3: Select Account Type

1. When prompted to choose an account type, select IMAP.

Step 4: Enter IMAP Settings (Incoming Mail)

Fill in the Incoming mail details:

Protocol: IMAP
Server: imap.yourdomain.com
Port: 993
Encryption method: SSL/TLS
Username: your full email address
Password: your email password

Step 5: Enter SMTP Settings (Outgoing Mail)

Fill in the Outgoing mail details:

Server: smtp.yourdomain.com
Port: 465
Encryption method: STARTTLS or TLS
Username: your full email address
Password: your email password

Step 6: Complete Setup

1. Click Next or Sign In.
2. Outlook will test the account settings.
3. Once successful, click Done.

Step 7: Verify Mailbox Sync

1. Wait for Outlook to finish syncing.
2. Your inbox folders should now appear.

Recommended Settings

• Download email for the past: All
• Use cached Exchange mode: Disabled (IMAP accounts)
• Leave messages on server: Enabled

Troubleshooting

If setup fails:

• Confirm IMAP and SMTP server names and ports
• Verify your password
• Ensure IMAP access is enabled on your email account
• Check firewall or antivirus interference
• Contact IT support if the issue persists support@hostnasi.co.tz